Matter is conserved

Energy flows, but matter is recycled

Importance of biogeochemical cycling

Cycling = Transfer, transformation and storage

Biogeochemical cycles: Global

Nutrient cycles: Ecosystem



  • Entry of nutrients into system (IN)
    • fixation (bacteria)
    • weathering (rocks)
    • deposition (acid rain)


  • Internal transfer (recycling)
    • food webs
    • decomposition


  • Loss of nutrients from system (OUT)


  • Steady State = ?

Carbon cycle: Ecosystems

Carbon cycle: Global

Nitrogen cycle: Ecosystems

Nitrogen cycle: Ecosystems

Decomposition

Decomposition rate: Biomes


Nutrient transfer: Soil commmunity

Nitrogen cycle: Global

Primary productivity: Generation of biomass

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